Biology Academic Honesty

The Department of Biology recognizes that nearly all of our students are extremely honest individuals who work very hard to obtain the best grades that they can in their course work. In an effort to protect these students from the very small group of students that may engage in dishonest practices, the Department has adopted a zero tolerance policy with regard to cheating on exams, plagiarism in the preparation of assignments and/or collusion to carry out any of the above. During exams, quizzes or any other activities in which a grade is being assigned or points toward the course are being assessed, if the instructor or an exam proctor observes you cheating your exam, quiz, or paper will be collected and you will receive a grade of zero for that exam or activity. (Note: the score for this exam or activity cannot be dropped from the calculation of your final grade for the course.) During exams, quizzes or any other activities in which a grade is being assigned or points toward the course are being assessed, if the instructor or an exam proctor observes behavior that is indicative of cheating you will be given a warning to modify your behavior. If you fail to heed the instructor's advice or persist in this activity, your exam (or paper) will be collected and you will receive a grade of zero for that exam (or activity) that cannot be dropped from the calculation of your final grade for the course. If, in the preparation of written assignments for the course, you engage in any plagiarism or in any manner falsely represent the work of others as your own, you will be given a grade of zero for that assignment (see Note above.) Your actions with regard to any of the above matters will be documented in writing and reported to the Chairman of Biology and the appropriate Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Chairman and Dean reserve the right to report the matter to the Committee on Academic Honesty. In the case of collusion however, the matter will, without question, be reported to the Committee on Academic Honesty as this represents a "Class B" violation (see College of Arts and Sciences Policy on Academic Honesty, http://www.slu.edu/x12657.xml). The process for appeals is also outlined in this text.